Reinier van Dantzig resigns as alderman for Housing, Land and Development, and Spatial Planning due to his illness. Earlier this year, a progressive form of MS was diagnosed in Van Dantzig. He was active in local politics for 11 years, first as a councilor for D66, later as faction leader, and since May 2022 as alderman.
Reinier van Dantzig: “With a heavy heart, I have decided to resign my position as alderman of Amsterdam. The diagnosis of Primary Progressive MS has certainly turned my world upside down, but I felt determined to complete my term as alderman. Unfortunately, after several weeks and a further treatment, I must conclude that I do not feel fit enough at this time. I have always wanted to be an alderman who can go all out for Mokum and its residents every day. But at this moment, I cannot do that.
The past 11 years I have spent in local politics, we have worked together to improve our beloved city. Although problems in Amsterdam will never run out, I am proud of the contribution I have made towards realizing more affordable housing and the development of the city. Together we have made middle rent a concept. We have worked on the neighborhoods of the future where every Amsterdammer can feel at home. It was an honor to work together with the council, the college, and the civil service on this. I am grateful for the collaboration and the trust I have received. And for the many jokes, fun, and antics that made the serious work enjoyable every day.
Amsterdam is the most beautiful city in the world. A city where every centimeter of space is fought over by engaged neighbors or interest groups. I want to thank all these people and speakers immensely. Although it sometimes got pretty unnuanced, I greatly enjoyed these discussions, and they always improved the plans. Special thanks go to the residents of the Wildeman neighborhood and specifically to Esmae & Saida from the Wildeman Action Group. At the beginning of this period, we promised each other to go through thick and thin to improve Wildeman, and together we have shown that politics can still deliver.
It has been an honor and a privilege to dedicate such a substantial part of my life to Amsterdam so far. But I have one heartfelt plea: Amsterdam is a dream, a thought, an idea. If you contribute, you are an Amsterdammer. Whether you come from Doetinchem, Damascus, Detroit, or Derkinderenstraat, if you participate, you are an Amsterdammer. Let’s do everything together to ensure that piece of our DNA remains proudly upright in these times of awakening xenophobia and rising fascism. Now more than ever, the fight against nonsense, injustice, and intolerance is needed.”